[Development of two questionnaires for the assessment of knowledge and self-management in patients with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]. / Entwicklung zweier Fragebögen zum Krankheitswissen und Umgang mit der Erkrankung für Patienten mit chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung (COPD).

INTRODUCTION: As with other chronic diseases, the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be expected to be positively influenced if patients are well informed about their disease and undertake appropriate self-management. Assessments of the level of knowledge and management that are comparable should benefit from structured, systematically developed questionnaires. These, however, have not been published in Germany. METHODS: A total of 310 patients with COPD were recruited from three pneumological practices and one hospital to develop the questionnaires. Based on statistical criteria and content assessments by medical specialists, two questionnaires on knowledge (17 questions) and self-management (25 questions) were developed by selecting and modifying questions from published studies and training programs. In addition, two short versions with 5 and 3 questions were created to enable a quick assessment of the patients' knowledge and self-management. All questionnaires also included a visual analogue scale for self-assessment of knowledge and self-management. The statistical procedures for systematically guided selection comprised correlation and regression analyses. RESULTS: The questionnaires revealed considerable knowledge deficits in many patients and remarkably unsystematic, incoherent knowledge. The extent of this knowledge was negatively correlated with higher age and positively correlated with participation in training programs; this also applied to self-management. Correlations between the answers to the knowledge questions were higher in patients who had participated in training programs. The visual analogue scales for self-assessment of knowledge and management always correlated with the total number of correct answers. DISCUSSION: The questionnaires on knowledge and self-management in patients with COPD could be used in outpatient settings, including by non-medical staff, in order to quickly identify and correct deficits or as a reason to recommend training programs. The short versions and the analogue scales for self-assessment can give at least first hints. Potentially, training programs should focus more on promoting the coherence of knowledge through better understanding, as this presumably favors long-term knowledge. Older patients and those with a low level of education appear to be particularly in need of specially adapted training programs.

[What have we learned from the German COPD cohort COSYCONET and where do we go from here?] / Was haben wir aus der deutschen COPD-Kohorte COSYCONET gelernt und wie geht es weiter?

COSYCONET 1 is the only German COPD cohort which is large enough to be internationally comparable. The recruitment, which started in 2010 and ended in December 2013, comprised 2741 patients with the diagnosis of COPD who were subsequently investigated in regular follow-up visits. All visits included a comprehensive functional and clinical characterisation. On the basis of this detailed data set, it was possible to address a large number of clinical questions. These questions ranged from the prescription of medication, the detailed analysis of comorbidities, in particular cardiovascular disease, and biomarker assessment to radiological and health-economic aspects. Currently, more than 60 publications of COSYCONET data are internationally available. The present overview provides a description of all the results that were obtained, focussing on the relationship between different clinical and functional aspects as well as their potential practical consequences. In addition, information on the follow-up study COSYCONET 2 is given.

Basic Determinants of Disease Knowledge in COPD Patients: Results from COSYCONET.

Introduction: In many chronic diseases, including COPD, the patients' basic knowledge of the disorder has been shown to be relevant for the course of the disease. We studied which clinical and functional characteristics were related to this knowledge as well as the patients' satisfaction with their knowledge about COPD. Methods: The study population comprised 645 patients of GOLD grades 1-4 who participated in Visit 6 of the COSYCONET cohort (COPD and Systemic Consequences - Comorbidities Network). The assessments covered a broad panel of clinical and functional characteristics, including generic and disease-specific quality of life and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The study aim was addressed by two questions, referring to patients' knowledge of the meaning of FEV1 and the overall satisfaction with their knowledge of COPD. Results: Knowledge of FEV1 was higher in patients of higher spirometric GOLD grades or exacerbation risk, in males, with higher educational level, and after participation in a prior educational training on COPD. Patients with more detailed knowledge showed a higher satisfaction with their knowledge. Satisfaction was associated with higher generic quality of life and a lower CAT score. Furthermore, satisfaction was higher in patients with a treatment plan but lower in patients with cardiac comorbidities. It appeared that females with basic education, high burden from COPD and low quality of life had the greatest knowledge deficits. Discussion: The results suggest room for education programs adapted to the educational level of the participants. They also emphasize the major role of a disease management plan for the patients.

Japanese grape (Hovenia dulcis) powder as an antioxidant agent in Bologna sausages.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese grape (Hovenia dulcis Thunberg) has potential as an antioxidant due to its high content of phenolic compounds in the early maturation stages. In this study, the antioxidant sodium erythorbate (CONTROL) was replaced by Japanese grape pseudofruits dehydrated by freeze-drying (FDP) and oven drying (OP), in Bologna sausages. The commercial natural antioxidant licresse (LS), based on licorice, has also been studied. RESULTS: No significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the proximate composition and the texture profile of the Bologna sausages. An increase in pH was observed during storage for all formulations. At 28 days, the treatments FDP and OP were darker (lower L* values) and less red (lower a* values), possibly due to the presence of tannins in these samples, which may have bound with the iron present in myoglobin and minimized the oxidation reactions. The use of different antioxidants affected the nitrite contents of the Bologna sausages during storage. Regarding the lipid oxidation, the Japanese grape powder was more effective in delaying the oxidation reactions in Bologna sausages after 14 and 21 days of storage when compared to LS and the CONTROL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Japanese grape powders were effective in retarding the lipid oxidation of Bologna sausages, possibly due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, tannins, and ascorbic acid, showing the potential of these pseudofruits as antioxidants for use in meat products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Estudio prospectivo acerca de la precisión diagnóstica del test inmunológico de sangre oculta en materia fecal en una única ronda para la realización de pesquisa del cáncer colorrectal en pacientes de riesgo promedio en la Argentina / Prospective study on the diagnostic accuracy of the immunochemical fecal occult blood test in a single round for colorectal cancer screening in average risk patients in Argentina

Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en Argentina. Debido a su alta prevalencia es fundamental normatizar un programa de pesquisa para la prevención y detección temprana. La precisión del test de sangre oculta en materia fecal inmunológico (SOMFi) para pesquisa de CCR en población de riesgo promedio ha demostrado ser adecuada según la bibliografía internacional, no habiendo, sin embargo, información a nivel local. El objetivo es evaluar en nuestro medio la precisión diagnóstica del test de SOMFi en una única ronda para la pesquisa de CCR en pacientes de riesgo promedio. Diseño: Prospectivo de precisión diagnóstica. Material y Método: Se incluyeron pacientes con riesgo promedio que consultaron para realizar una videocolonoscopía (VCC) por pesquisa de CCR en el Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, entre el 1 de junio del 2015 y 31 diciembre de 2017. Se excluyeron todos los pacientes con riesgo incrementado para CCR. Todos los pacientes realizaron el test de SOMFi y posteriormente la VCC. Los endoscopistas estaban ciegos para el resultado del test al momento de realizar la VCC. Se evaluó la precisión diagnóstica del test SOMFi para detectar lesiones neoplásicas avanzadas (LNA) calculando la sensibilidad (S), especificidad (E), valor predictivo positivo (VVP) y negativo (VVN), coeficiente de probabilidad positivo (CP+) y negativo (CP-). Se evaluó también la precisión para la detección de adenomas de bajo riesgo, pólipos aserrados y CCR. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 300 pacientes; 273 (91%) entregaron la muestra de materia fecal para realizar el test de SOMFi y completaron la VCC. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 56.9 (40-85) años y 54% fueron hombres. Del total de pacientes que realizaron ambos estudios (273), 53 pacientes (19%) presentaron al menos un adenoma de bajo riesgo, en 18 pacientes (6,59%) observamos al menos un adenoma aserrado sésil y en 21 pacientes (7,7%) al menos una lesión neoplásica avanzada (LNA). Solo 4 pacientes (1.5%) presentaron CCR. En cuanto a la precisión diagnóstica del test de SOMFi en una única ronda para detectar LNA observamos una S de 30%, E de 84%, VPP de 13% y un VPN de 94%. Para adenomas de bajo riesgo observamos una S de 13%, E de 84%, VPP de 17%, VPN de 79%. Para adenomas aserrados sésiles observamos una S de 16.7%, E de 87%, VPP de 11% y de VPN 91%. La precisión para el CCR fue la siguiente, S de 75%, E de 83%, VPP 6%, VPN 99%. No se observaron complicaciones post procedimientos. Conclusiones: La precisión diagnóstica del test de SOMFi en nuestro medio es comparable a los resultados internacionales. Sin embargo, la baja precisión observada en una única ronda realza la necesidad de realizarlo de forma anual o bianual para poder optimizar su precisión y lograr programas de pesquisa efectivos.(AU)

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Argentina. Due to its high prevalence, it is essential to standardize a screening program for prevention and early detection. According to international literature, the accuracy of the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FIT) for CRC screening in an average-risk population has proven to be adequate, but there is no information at the local level. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the FIT test in a single round for CRC screening in average-risk patients in our setting. Design: Diagnostic accuracy prospective study. Material and Methods: Average-risk patients who consulted for a CRC screening video colonoscopy (VCC) at the Hospital Alemán of Buenos Aires, between June 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 were included. All patients with increased risk for CRC were excluded. All patients performed FIT and subsequently VCC. The endoscopists were blind to FIT result at the time of VCC. The diagnostic accuracy of FIT to detect advanced neoplastic lesions (ANL) was evaluated by calculating sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). The accuracy for the detection of low-risk adenomas, serrated polyps and CRC was also evaluated. Results: A total of 300 patients were included; 273 (91%) submitted the stool sample to perform FIT and completed VCC. The mean age of patients was 56.9 (40-85) years and 54% were men. Of the total number of patients who carried out both studies (273), 53 (19%) patients had at least one low-risk adenoma, 18 (6.59%) patients had at least one sessile serrated adenoma and 21 (7.7%) patients had at least one ANL. Only 4 (1.5%) patients presented CRC. The diagnostic accuracy of FIT in a single round to detect ANL was: S 30%, Sp 84%, PPV 13%, NPV 94%; for low-risk adenomas: S 13%, Sp 84%, PPV 17%, NPV 79%; for sessile serrated adenomas: S 16.7%, Sp 87%, PPV 11%, NPV 91% and for CRC: S 75%, Sp 83%, PPV 6%, NPV 99%. No post-procedure complications were observed. Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of FIT in our setting is comparable to international results. However, the low precision observed in a single round highlights the need to do it annually or biannually in order to optimize its accuracy and achieve effective screening programs. (AU)

Prevalence of incidental clinically relevant pancreatic cysts at diagnosis based on current guidelines / Prevalencia de quistes pancreáticos incidentales clínicamente relevantes al momento del diagnóstico basada en las guías actuales

BACKGROUND: Most pancreatic cysts (PCs) found incidentally by CT and MRI scans might not be clinically important according to the Fukuoka guidelines, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines and European guidelines. AIMS: To determine and compare the prevalence of incidental clinically important PCs (CIPCs). METHODS: Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scans performed during a one-year period were retrospectively reviewed to identify incidental PCs. CIPCs were defined as those cysts that would be capable of triggering further evaluation with endoscopic ultrasound, immediate surveillance (within 3-6 months) and/or surgery. Prevalence was calculated as the number of patients with CIPCs per 100 subjects imaged (%). RESULTS: Sixty patients (mean age 70 ± 14 years) out of 565 were found to have incidental PCs, representing a prevalence of 8.7% (95% CI 6.3-11.5) in CT scans and 27.5% (95% CI 16-41) in MRI scans. Seven patients (11.6%, 95% CI 5-22) had CIPCs based on size ≥ 30 mm (n = 5), size ≥ 30 mm and pancreatic duct (PD) dilation (n = 1) and PD dilation and presence of solid component (n = 1). Based on the Fukuoka guidelines, the prevalence of CIPCs was 1.2% (95% CI 0.4-2.5) in CT scans (6/507) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.1-9) in MRI scans (1/58). Based on the AGA and European guidelines, the prevalence of CIPCs was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-1) in CT scans (1/507) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.1-9) in MRI scans (1/58). Patients with PCs initially classified as "AGA- or European-positive" had a higher surgical probability and this decision was taken earlier in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the prevalence of important incidental pancreatic cysts was not negligible at around 1% according to current guidelines

ANTECEDENTES: La mayoría de los quistes de páncreas (PC) hallados incidentalmente en las tomografías (TC) y las resonancias magnéticas (RMN) podrían no ser clínicamente importantes de acuerdo con las actuales guías Fukuoka, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) y europea. OBJETIVOS: Determinar y comparar la prevalencia de PC incidentales clínicamente importantes (CIPCs). MÉTODOS: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las TC de abdomen con contraste y las RMN durante un período de un año para identificar PCs incidentales. Los CIPC se definieron como aquellos quistes que serían capaces de desencadenar una evaluación ulterior con ecoendoscopia, vigilancia en un corto intervalo (3-6 meses) y/o cirugía. La prevalencia se calculó como el número de pacientes con CIPC por cada 100 sujetos estudiados (%). RESULTADOS: Se encontró que 60 (edad media 70 ± 14 años) de 565 pacientes tenían PC incidentales, lo que representó una prevalencia de 8,7% (IC95% 6,3-11,5) en las TC y 27,5% (IC95% 16-41) en las RMN. Siete pacientes (11,6%, IC 95% 5-22) tenían CIPC basados en el tamaño ≥ 30 mm (n = 5), tamaño ≥ 30 mm y dilatación del conducto pancreático (PD) (n = 1), y dilatación de PD y presencia de componente sólido (n = 1). Basándonos en la guía Fukuoka, la prevalencia de CIPC fue de 1,2% (IC95% 0,4-2,5) en las TC (6/507) y 1,7% (IC95% 0,1-9) en las RMN (1/58). Basado en las guías AGA y europea, la prevalencia de CIPC fue de 0,2% (IC95% 0,1-1) en las TC (1/507) y 1,7% (IC 95% 0,1-9) en las RMN (1/58). Los pacientes con PC inicialmente clasificados como "AGA o europea positivo" tuvieron una mayor probabilidad quirúrgica y esta decisión se tomó antes en el seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra cohorte, la prevalencia de quistes pancreáticos incidentales y relevantes no fue despreciable, siendo cercana al 1% según las guías actuales

Prevalence of incidental clinically relevant pancreatic cysts at diagnosis based on current guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Most pancreatic cysts (PCs) found incidentally by CT and MRI scans might not be clinically important according to the Fukuoka guidelines, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines and European guidelines. AIMS: To determine and compare the prevalence of incidental clinically important PCs (CIPCs). METHODS: Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scans performed during a one-year period were retrospectively reviewed to identify incidental PCs. CIPCs were defined as those cysts that would be capable of triggering further evaluation with endoscopic ultrasound, immediate surveillance (within 3-6 months) and/or surgery. Prevalence was calculated as the number of patients with CIPCs per 100 subjects imaged (%). RESULTS: Sixty patients (mean age 70±14 years) out of 565 were found to have incidental PCs, representing a prevalence of 8.7% (95% CI 6.3-11.5) in CT scans and 27.5% (95% CI 16-41) in MRI scans. Seven patients (11.6%, 95% CI 5-22) had CIPCs based on size ≥ 30mm (n=5), size ≥ 30mm and pancreatic duct (PD) dilation (n=1) and PD dilation and presence of solid component (n=1). Based on the Fukuoka guidelines, the prevalence of CIPCs was 1.2% (95% CI 0.4-2.5) in CT scans (6/507) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.1-9) in MRI scans (1/58). Based on the AGA and European guidelines, the prevalence of CIPCs was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-1) in CT scans (1/507) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.1-9) in MRI scans (1/58). Patients with PCs initially classified as "AGA- or European-positive" had a higher surgical probability and this decision was taken earlier in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the prevalence of important incidental pancreatic cysts was not negligible at around 1% according to current guidelines.

Risk of Metachronous Advanced Neoplastic Lesions in Patients with Sporadic Sessile Serrated Adenomas Undergoing Colonoscopic Surveillance.

OBJECTIVES: The risk of developing metachronous advanced neoplastic lesions (ANLs) during surveillance after resection of sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) has not been quantified. METHODS: Patients with sporadic SSAs resected between 1 April 2007 and 31 December 2009 who underwent surveillance colonoscopy in our institution were prospectively evaluated. Patients with low-risk adenomas (LRAs), high-risk adenomas (HRAs), and negative index colonoscopy (NIC) during the same period were identified using the pathology database and electronic medical records, and were also included as a comparison cohort. The primary outcome was the comparison of the study groups with regard to incidence of metachronous ANLs during surveillance colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients had SSAs, of whom 75 with 101 resected polyps were finally included. The comparison cohort consisted of 564 patients: 140 LRAs (160 polyps), 87 HRAs (478 polyps), and 337 NICs. The overall mean colonoscopy follow-up was for 54.5 months (±s.d. 14). SSA patients with synchronous HRA on index colonoscopy presented a higher incidence rate of metachronous ANL (12.96 per 1,000 person-months) compared with patients with HRA (5.07 per 1,000 person-months), whereas those with synchronous LRA and without synchronous adenoma on index colonoscopy presented a low incidence rate of metachronous ANL (0 and 1.41 per 1,000 person-months, respectively) similar to LRA (1.47 per 1,000 person-months). Among patients with SSA the 3- and 5-year ANL free-cumulative probability was 64.3 and 32.1% in those with synchronous HRA, 100 and 100% in those with synchronous LRA, and 95.1 and 91.7% if no synchronous adenoma was found. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with resected sporadic SSAs the risk of developing metachronous ANL is influenced by the presence of synchronous HRA on index colonoscopy. Patients with SSAs and synchronous HRA on index colonoscopy require closer surveillance, whereas those with synchronous LRA and those without synchronous adenomas may be followed up in the same way as those with LRAs.

Finding sessile serrated adenomas: is it possible to identify them during conventional colonoscopy?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Proximal colorectal cancer may arise from sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs). Recognition of these lesions during colonoscopy can optimize the endoscopic approach. We aimed to identify specific endoscopic features of SSA with conventional colonoscopy. METHODS: Patients undergoing screening colonoscopies from January 2011 to September 2012, in whom colonic polyps were found, were prospectively included in our study. Polyp morphology, location, polyp pit pattern (Kudo classification), and other previously reported features of SSA were evaluated. Histological examination was conducted independently by two pathologists. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of SSA. RESULTS: A total of 272 patients were included, and 440 polyps were evaluated (1.6 polyps per patient). Thirty-four polyps (8%) were SSA, 135 (31%) hyperplastic, and 249 (56%) adenomas. The most prevalent endoscopic features of SSA were right-side location (94%), type II Kudo pit pattern (91%), mucus cap (41%), flat morphology (29%) and red-colored surface (26%). Multivariate analysis revealed that flat morphology (p = 0.002, OR = 3.81 CI 1.53-9.09), red-colored surface (p < 0.001, OR = 12.97 CI 4.43-37.69), right-side location (p < 0.001, OR = 22.21 CI 5.09-135.94) and mucus cap (p < 0.001, OR 8.77 CI 3.76-20.44) were independent predictors of SSA. CONCLUSION: We were able to identify specific features of SSA during conventional colonoscopy, which may help to identify, and therefore to optimize the endoscopic approach of these lesions.

Risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with celiac disease: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association of celiac disease with colorectal neoplasia is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of colorectal neoplasia among patients with celiac disease. METHODS: We carried out a multicenter, retrospective case-control study, within four community hospitals. Celiac disease patients with a complete colonoscopy were regarded as cases and those without celiac disease as controls. For each case, two controls matched for age, sex, indication for colonoscopy and colorectal cancer family history, were randomly selected. The main outcome evaluated was risk of colorectal polyps, adenomas, advanced neoplastic lesions and cancer. RESULTS: We identified 118 patients with celiac disease and 236 controls. The risk of polyps, adenomas and advanced neoplastic lesions was similar in both groups (OR 1.25, CI 0.71-2.18, p=0.40; OR 1.39, CI 0.73-2.63, p=0.31; and OR 1.00, CI 0.26-3.72, p=1.00, respectively). On multivariate analysis, age >75 years old, and first-grade CRC family history were associated with adenomas (OR 2.68 CI 1.03-6.98, OR 6.68 CI 1.03-47.98 respectively) and advanced neoplastic lesions (OR 15.03, CI 2.88-78.3; OR 6.46 CI 1.23-33.79, respectively). With respect to celiac disease characteristic, a low adherence to a gluten free diet was independently associated with the presence of adenomas (OR 6.78 CI 1.39-33.20 p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Celiac disease was not associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. Nonadherence to a strict gluten free diet was associated with the presence of adenomas. Further studies addressing celiac disease characteristics are needed to confirm this observation.

Risk of colorectal polyps in patients with sporadic gastric polyps: A case-control study.

AIM: To assess the risk of colonic polyps, adenomas and advanced neoplastic lesions (ANL) in patients with sporadic gastric polyps, especially those with fundic gland polyps (FGP). METHODS: Clinical records of patients who had performed an upper and a lower digestive endoscopy between September 2007 and August 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. A case-control study was carried out, calling patients with gastric polyps as "cases" and patients without gastric polyps as "controls". The risk of colonic polyps, adenomas and ANL (villous component ≥ 25%, size ≥ 10 mm, or high grade dysplasia) was assessed [odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95%CI]. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty seven patients were analyzed: 78 with gastric polyps (cases) and 169 without gastric polyps (controls). Among the cases, the majority of gastric polyps were FGP (80%, CI: 69-88) and hyperplastic (20%, CI: 12-31); 25% had colonic polyps (25% hyperplastic and 68% adenomas, from which 45% were ANL). Among the controls, 20% had colonic polyps (31% hyperplastic and 63% adenomas, from which 41% were ANL). The patients with sporadic FGP had an OR of 1.56 (CI: 0.80-3.04) for colonic polyps, an OR of 1.78 (CI: 0.82-3.84) for colonic adenomas, and an OR of 0.80 (CI: 0.21-2.98) for ANL. Similar results were found in patients with gastric polyps in general. CONCLUSION: The results of this study did not show more risk of colorectal adenomas or ANL neither in patients with sporadic gastric polyps nor in those with FGP.

[Celiac disease and risk of colorectal neoplasia]. / Riesgo de cáncer colorrectal en pacientes con enfermedad celíaca.

BACKGROUND: Although small bowel and esophagus neoplasia are recognized to occur more frequently in patients with celiac disease, the association with colorectal cancer is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of colorectal neoplasia among patients with celiac disease. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted using the gastroenterology and endoscopy unit electronic data base. Patients with celiac disease and colonoscopy were regarded as cases and those without celiac disease and colonoscopy as controls. Patients were matched for age, sex, colonoscopy purpose and family history of colorectal cancer. The main outcome was the risk of colorectal polyps, adenomas, advanced lesions and cancer. The risk was expressed as odds ratio (OR) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Out of 178 celiac disease patients, 44 were included as cases. Eighty-eight non-celiac patients were included as controls. In cases, the presence of polyps, adenomas and advanced colonic lesions was 20%, 16% and 4.5%, respectively. In controls, it was 15%, 9% and3.4%, respectively. The risk of polyps, adenomas and advanced colonic lesions was similar in both groups: OR 1.48 (95% CI 0.59-3.73), OR 1.89 (95% CI 0.66-5.42) and OR 1.34 (95% CI 0.26-7.05). No colorectal cancer was identified. CONCLUSION: The risk of colorectal neoplasia within this cohort of patients with celiac disease was similar to the control population.

[Prevalence of serrated adenomas of the colon and association with synchronic and metachronic neoplastic lesions]. / Prevalencia de adenomas serratos de colon y asociación con lesiones neoplásicas sincrónicas y metacrónicas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of serrated adenomas (SA), the frequency of high grade dysplasia (HGD) and adenocarcinoma in these polyps, and the association with synchronic (SNL) and metachronic neoplastic lesions (MNL). METHODS: Reports from patients undergoing colonoscopy and polypectomy from January 2003 to April 2010, were obtained from our electronic database. SA were reanalyzed by two pathologists and classified on the basis of Snover's diagnostic criteria. The prevalence of these polyps and the clinical and endoscopic features were determined. SNL were defined by adenomas, cancer or advanced neoplastic lesions (ANL) (> 1 cm, HGD and/or >75% of villous component) in the same colonoscopy. MNL were identified in patients who underwent surveillance colonoscopies. An univariate and multivariate analysis was performed, looking for independent predictors of HGD/ cancer, SNL and MNL in patients with SA. RESULTS: The prevalence of SA was 0.87%. The mean age was 60 years old and 50.5% of patients were women. Most of the polyps were sessile (67%), small (63%) and located in ceco-ascending colon (47%). We found HGD in 4.4% ofSA and no adenocarcinoma. SNL was found in 31% ofpatients: 46% adenomas, 40.5% ANL and 13.5% adenocarcinoma. MNL was found in 29% of patients: 25% SA, 31% adenomas, 44% ANL and 0% adenocarcinoma. Age over 60 years old was significantly associated with MNL [Odds ratio 3.7 (95% confidence interval 1.16-11.8)] and polyp's size higher than 1 cm with sessile SA histology [Odds ratio 8 (95% confidence interval 1.28-49.4)]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SA was low. We found an association with neoplastic lesions. Therefore, it is important to establish specific guidelines for the management of these polyps.

[Role of antibodies in celiac disease after one year of treatment to predict the adherence to gluten-free diet]. / Rol de los anticuerpos en la enfermedad celíaca luego de un año de tratamiento para predecir la adherencia a la dieta libre de gluten.

INTRODUCTION: The celiac disease (CD) is characterized by a permanent sensitivity to gluten. The treatment for this disease is the life-long strict compliance with a gluten-free diet (GFD). The average of compliance with GFD ranges between 15% and 80%. Antibodies' role in the follow up of these patients regarding the adherence to the GFD is not well established. Objective. To determine the relationship between the antibodies for CD and the adherence to the GFD in patients with over a year of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with CD with a minimum of one year of GFD were prospectively included They were asked to complete a self-survey regarding to the compliance to GFD and the level of adherence was determined: low (no compliance or more than 2 gluten intakes per week), medium (1 or 2 gluten intakes per week or 2 or 3 gluten intakes per month), or high (1 gluten intake per month or less than 3 intakes per year). The follow up was performed by their general practitioners. From one year of GFD onwards, the results of the available antibodies at the time of the last follow up were assessed: antigliadine IgA (AGA) and IgG (AGG), anti-endomysium IgA (EMA) and IgG (EMG), anti-transglutaminase (ATG), and deaminated peptides of gliadine IgA and IgG, considering them as positive or negative. Through an univariate analysis, the above-mentioned antibodies were correlated (independent variables) in order to identify predicting factors of high and low adherence to the GFD (dependent variables). RESULTS: Ninety patients were analyzed, age 43.6 +/- 15.3 years old, 89% women, 58% classic celiacs. The average time of GFD was 7.9 years and 63% had been on a GFD for over 3 years. A 71% of patients (95% CI 69%-80%) showed high adherence to the GFD, and a 67% (95% CI 2%-13%) showed low adherence. GFD of less than 3 years was a determining factor for low adherence [relative risk (RR) 2.41 (95% CI 1.2-2.89)]. The predictive antibodies for GFD high adherence were: (1) negative EMA [RR 1.27 (95% CI 1.03-1.54)], (2) negative ATG [RR 1.62 (95% CI 1.12-2.47)], and (3) all negative requested ones [RR 1.60 (95% CI 1.17-2.18)]. The predictive antibodies for GFD low adherence were: (1) positive AGA [RR 15.5 (95% CI 2.29-105)], (2) positive EMA [RR 10.2 (95% CI 2.19-47.7)], (3) positive ATG [RR 9.63 (95% CI 1.53-63.4)], and 4) all negative requested ones [RR 0.11 (95% CI 0.018-0.71)]. CONCLUSION: After one year of treatment, the negativity of EMA or ATG antibodies had a significant correlation with the high adherence to GFD and the positivity of AGA, EMA or ATG antibodies had a significant correlation with a low adherence.